Chapter Twenty-Five

Kushina Uzimaki stretched her hamstrings on the backyard's fencepost. Her black one-piece jumpsuit clung to her body like second skin, making her a little more than self-conscious. You're not eighteen anymore, and you're not at the old training ground, either! The feel of the cool afternoon air banished her recriminations. She was alive, and she was determined to make up for a lost decade, be damned what others might think.

She entered her starting position, bowing to Akemi, her audience of one, and she leapt into the low block as she had practiced since she was eight years old. Unlike her last attempt at the Maelstrom of Fire, her chakra was flowing through her freely. For twelve long years, she'd be blind, deaf, and unable to feel the wonderous world inside her despite knowing it was there. Radiant heat built in her fingertips effortlessly, and she drew her hands to her face, she sucked in the heat, feeling fire inside. In a quick burst, flames shot from her mouth and formed fiery gauntlets around her hands. Her arms weaved through a series of strikes and kicks, each one tracing an arc of flame through the air behind it.

Kushina leapt forward into the air into a forward somersault. As she vaulted forward, she drew in all the heat around her, and the air surrounding her ignited into a cloak of flames as she landed. Kushina spread her arms wide, shaping the flame into a nine-tailed phoenix. As it extinguished, her skin tingled with the sensation of the heat evaporating off her skin, being replaced by cold air infiltrating.

"Bravo!" Akemi clapped excitedly. Akemi remained bundled up for the weather which had turned unseasonably cooler. Ever since she had been diagnosed with cancer, Akemi had been cold intolerant. In Kushina's case, she had already been working out outside before Akemi arrived, begging her to show her the Flaming Maelstorm Kata.

"Thanks!" Kushina blushed, grateful she'd worn a fire-retardant jumpsuit today. On her first attempt a week ago, she had done the routine in her regular street clothes. While she had controlled her chakra enough to protect herself from the blanket of fire surrounding her, her clothes hadn't been so lucky. While she thankfully had enough time to stop, drop, and roll out her burning clothing with minimal injury; she had to endure running through the backyard in her underwear as result. Thank god I kept in shape after having Naruto, or that could have been even more awkward that it was! Her husband had a good laugh over it afterwards and suggested she wear something that wouldn't burn until she better remastered her chakra.

"I'm serious!" Akemi exclaimed, "That was amazing! Do you think you could perform it at the Hyūga Clan's New Year's party?"

Few people outside of her own family had ever seen her perform the kata; at one time, it had been a signature routine for the Uzimaki Clan. Why not? Do you really want it to fade out of history? She smirked "All right, but on one condition! You and Hinata have to learn it with me."

Akemi for a moment was aghast, "Me?"

"Yeah, you!" Kushina placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I've see you dance before."

"But I'm not a ninja!" Akemi protested, "I wouldn't even know how to perform half of those strikes, and I'm too old to learn now!"

"Akemi!" Kushina took her friend by the shoulders, "You are only thirty-five years old! You've stayed in shape and you've beaten cancer!" Kushina bounced excitedly as much from being alive, herself, "Do you mean to tell me you're content to sit in a rocking chair when you could still kick ass and take names for a good twenty to thirty more years?"

"But Kushina, I have no instructor, and the academy won't teach me now!"

"So," Kushina placed a hand on her hip and tilted her head in amusement, "I'll be your instructor!"

Akemi turned her head to the side, looking at Kushina with mild uncertainty, "You're being really serious about teaching this old maid a new trick!"

Kushina huffed as she crossed her arms, "I'm one year older than you, missy! I don't consider myself old or over the hill!" Her frown morphed into laughter, "Besides, you were a midwife, not a maid! It'll be just like training Hinata all over again for me! And for you, it will be just like getting ready for your first delivery all over again!"

"Okay, you crazy woman," Akemi held out her hand, "You got a deal! When do we start?"

"How about now!" Kushina shrugged, eager to train her first real student in over twelve years, "I have a spare uniform that should fit you!"

"Yes, sensei!" Akemi offered a mock salute.

"Mom," Naruto's voice called from the other side of the gate, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" They turned to see Naruto and Kakashi approaching along the back walkway. Naruto froze at the sight of Akemi, "Uh, hi Aunt Akemi!" he said nervously.

"Naruto, you look so good!" Akemi said cheerfully. "Ready for the Chunin exams already?"

"That's what we're working on tonight!" Kakashi chuckled, "Big meeting for Team Seven tonight; Team Guy won't stand a chance at the finals!" He turned to Naruto, "Go on, son, ask your mom what you needed to ask. I'll meet you at the Academy for the team meeting!"

"Ummm, Mom," Naruto shifted his weight from one side to another, "could we discuss this alone, in the house?"

"Of course, sweetie," she replied, "I'll be right in!" As Naruto ran inside, she turned to Kakashi, "Everything all right?"

He smiled through his mask, "Well, yes and no," he said. "You may want to speak with him first. Call me if he can't make it!" he turned to leave.

"Got it," she nodded, turning back to Akemi, "I'll be out in a few minutes." Kushina felt her heart racing. Kakashi had spoken in code. "Call me if he can't make it," was the code for, "Tell me if the plan is off." Kushina swallowed hard, wondering what complications had come up.

As Kushina walked into the house, a blast of dry, hot air hit her, making her realize how damn cold it really was outside. When she found her son on the sofa, his eyes flitted wildly, like he was expecting someone to attack him. What's got him on edge?

As she sat next to him, she remembered this was the same couch she had sat on as she nursed him and Hinata as infants, the same spot where she had consoled a frightened Hinata after her first episode of Kyuubi, and it had the same feeling it had when she held her crying son as he was in danger of failing out of the Academy. It was a place of comfort beyond simply being a place to sit. "Naruto," she put her arm around his shoulders, "what's happening? I've never seen you this on edge."

"Mom, I…" his eyes were searching but not finding the words.

Kushina fielded a guess, "Is this regarding the big date tonight?" It was the only thing she could think of that would have him so off-kilter.

"Yes," he mumbled. Kushina could tell he'd rather not talk about it, but he definitely needed to talk.

"Did something happen? Did you two have a fight, or did she call it off?" Kushina twisted her face in concern. While she'd wished Naruto wouldn't have said yes to Sakura, it wasn't her place to make such decisions for him – even if she did know he was walking into a bad situation.

"No, not… exactly at least," he groaned.

"Son," she pleaded, "I can't help if you won't tell me."

"Mom… I…I…" Naruto choked, looking nervous to even contemplate the words, "I don't want to go on a date with Sakura!"

The words from her son's mouth gave Kushina an odd mix of relief and apprehension. While she was glad that he had come to his senses about dating Sakura, the girl was poison, there had to be more to it than what he'd said. Otherwise, there was no reason for him to be this shook up. "Okay, why the sudden change of heart?" she asked.

"It wasn't sudden, Mom!" he exclaimed, "and it's not a change. I… I…" he planted his face in his hands.

"Easy son," she rubbed his shoulders, "tell me, take your time."

Naruto brought his face up, resting his chin in his hands. "Mom, I was on top of the world after Sakura asked me out… for about five seconds!" Naruto tilted his head forwards and let tears slip past his defenses, "And then I saw Hinata running away!" He turned to her wide-eyed, "Mom! I didn't mean to hurt her! I… I… made a mistake! I didn't know how to say no to Sakura!"

Kushina hugged her son closely. For a long few moments, he cried into her shoulder, and she held him the same way she had when he fell down the first time, when he brought back his first failing grade in school, and when his tests confirmed his dyslexia. "Honey, you made a mistake," she whispered.

"She'll probably never speak to me again!"

"Naruto, you've been her friend since you were in diapers, it takes a lot worse than going on a date with someone else to break that!" She rubbed his shoulders, "It'll work out okay, you'll see!"

"I just wish," Naruto paused as he slid back into the couch, "it had been Hinata asking me out instead."

"So, you do like her?"

He nodded, "Even before the mission, I was starting to feel weird around her," he drew his chin to his knees. "And now I just feel empty at the thought of hurting her! And Sakura…"

"What about her?"

"Mom, she's a friend, but I honestly felt weird, feel weird, at the thought of dating her. She's been so hung up on Sasuke, I was in shock when she asked me for a date and not him!"

So, he's not completely oblivious to something being amiss, good! "Son, ideally, what would happen?"

"I wish I could go back and find the courage to tell her no."

"Son, neither of us can do that," she tapped him gently on the nose, "but what we can do is be honest with ourselves and everyone else." She smiled, hopeful to end this mess without additional heartbreak, "You don't want to go on this date with Sakura because you feel you aren't a good match, right?"

"Yes, Mom."

"Then tell her."

"Mom," he shook his head, "it will embarrass her!"

"Son," Kushina became a slight bit firmer, "As a leader and a future Hokage, you're going to have to face painful decisions that will leave feeling hurt." She raised a finger, "Answer me this, how far are you willing to go, how long are you planning on stringing her along before you get up the nerve to tell her how you feel, or rather don't feel?"

Naruto stared blankly, contemplating the question. Kushina continued, "Do you think she'd resent you more now if you picked up the phone and told her the date was off? Or do you think if you'd hurt her worse if you strung her along for six months, six weeks, or six days and then told her you didn't like her that way?"

Naruto nodded, "You're right, Mom." He stared at the floor, not meeting her eyes.

"Son, it might hurt the two of you a bit now, but you'll both feel better faster if you get it out of your system now. Cleaning out a wound before it gets infected is painful, but it is a lot less painful than waiting for the infection to sink in deep!"

"I'll call her right now!" Naruto got up and went to the phone in the kitchen. For a long moment, Kushina prayed there would be an answer at the Haruno house as he talked into the receiver. "Okay, I'll talk to her at practice then," Naruto said flatly. He hung up, deflating slightly. "I guess it will have to wait until I see her." He check his watch, "Speaking of which, I need to get to the Academy! I'll see you when the team meeting is done!" He gave her a hug and turned for the door. As he reached it, he stopped, and he turned to face her. "Thanks for the pep talk, Mom! I love you!"

"I love you, too sweetie!" she said as he left. As he stepped out the door, she felt like a terrible parent. She walked to the phone and dialed Kakashi's office at the Academy. He picked up on the second ring, "Kakashi!"

"Kushina, I assume he told you everything?" Kakashi's voice asked through the phone.

"He did, what do you advise?" she asked.

"Well, on one hand, I can't blame you if you decide to pull the plug," he sighed, "by all accounts, this is going nowhere." There was a long, considering pause, "On the other hand, this has the potential to get really awkward if we don't act, and it means letting some very bad behavior going unpunished as well."

Kushina swallowed the lump in her throat. "Kakashi, I'll let fate decide," she paused to wipe away a tear, "if he finds time to tell Sakura it's done, no need to make things worse."

"I'm afraid that is unlikely, Kushina."

"Then proceed as planned," she gasped, "you have my husband's approval as well as mine. We can't let this behavior continue, for everyone's sake!"

"I agree, I'll keep you posted." He hung up. For a moment, Kushina stood frozen. You knew there was no other way, so quit kidding yourself. He's a big boy and he'll learn from this. Hopefully Sakura and Sasuke learn more from this than he does! She straightened herself and move back toward the backyard. She had left her first student waiting.

"Good evening team," Kakashi called to the two members of Team Seven that managed to show up on time – Naruto and Hinata. "It seems our third member is a bit late," a quick check of the classroom clock confirmed it was 1745, Sakura was already fifteen minutes late. Naruto fidgeted nervously at the mention of Sakura. He knew Naruto was planning on calling off the date, and Kakashi vainly hoped the boy would have the chance. She had her chance, now you have to do what is right!

"Kakashi, can we start without her?" Naruto asked, "I don't think she's coming for some reason." Observant as ever.

"You're right, I'm afraid we will have to start without her if we want to finish on time," he nodded, "Did you both bring your permission slips?" Both kids sheepishly pulled out their paperwork. Kakashi hated this part as much as when he went for the exam years ago, "Any questions before you turn this in?"

"K-Kakashi Sensei," Hinata stammered, "the permission forms state that we release Konoha from any liability in the event of our injury, disability, or death," she paused, fidgeting with her fingers, "We really will be facing death?"

"Yes," he sighed, "Death is a real possibility in the exam, Hinata." He wished he could tell her otherwise, but this was a situation where ignorance was not bliss. "That doesn't change your decision to participate, does it?"

"No," she said in a small voice, "I'm not afraid of dying, but so often there are these clauses in documents. I… I just didn't think somehow we'd be in real danger."

"After everything we survived, what more could they throw at us!" Naruto tried laughing it off, but Naruto's laughter poorly masked how nervous he actually was – rightfully so. This coming Chunin exam promised to be exceptionally challenging.

"I'm afraid I have to burst your bubble a bit, Naruto," Kakashi said grimly, "Training ground forty-four is called the Forest of Death for a reason. The flora and fauna of the forest is extremely hazardous, even without the competition of the other teams. And make no mistake, all rules are off when you're in there. Other teams, even allied ones, can attack you."

Both Naruto and Hinata looked aghast. "Is there any good news?" Naruto asked.

"Potentially," Kakashi replied. "as you know, the teams all start with one scroll – a heaven scroll or an earth scroll. You need one of each and to reach the building in the center of the forest, all of you, within five days to pass that part of the test. This year, there will be scrolls placed throughout the forest with challenges to acquire them. So conceivably, you might not even encounter a hostile team."

"That's not very reassuring," Hinata said softly. Kakashi knew it wasn't, but it was all he had.

"I'm afraid it gets worse," Kakashi said, "I will not be present throughout the entire challenge in the forest." He stared at the two, "We need to elect one of you as a genin-captain for the team."

Naruto and Hinata stared at one another and back at Kakashi. "I-I nominate Naruto," Hinata said softly.

"And I'll second that," Kakashi said, "Is anyone opposed?" He turned his head right and left in mock-scan of the room, "I guess the aye's have it, unless you object, Naruto."

"Heh," Naruto laughed nervously, "I accept, but we seem to be short one vote."

"Showing up is a huge part of teamwork, Naruto," Kakashi said with veiled intention, "trust is another part." Kakashi felt his heart racing with true guilt at what he was about to do to his nephew. While he was sure Hinata would also be affected, Naruto would be taken the brunt of a very hard hit. "Naruto, there is a chart I've forgotten, a map of the forest I wanted to review with you two," he gestured toward the storage closet in the corner of the room, "would you please fetch it?"

Naruto nodded and got up to do as he was asked. Kakashi held his breath as the boy approached the closet. I'm sorry, son! Kakashi couldn't even look as Naruto opened the door. "Ugh! Sasuke, Really!" Naruto yelled. Kakashi turned to see Sasuke with a young, pink-haired kunoichi making out in the closet.

"This one is taken, Naruto, find your own," Sasuke said dismissively.

Time dilated as a pained look of realization chiseled into Naruto's face. "S-S-Sakura!" Tears began forming at the corners of Naruto's eyes as he stammered out her name. The girl he was supposed to take on a date tonight now clearly had other plans. In a huffed shriek, Sakura spoke his name in surprise, "Naruto!"

A harsh, pained grimace cracked along the boy's face; he wordlessly slammed the door to the closet shut. His head slumped forward, a full torrent of tears turning his cheeks red as cherries. Try as he might, Kakashi felt helpless as Minato had been in comforting him when Rin committed suicide by stepping in the way of his Chidori or when Obito attacked them at Naruto's birth. What words can you use for shit like that? Regardless, he had to try, "Naruto…"

The boy raised a hand, cutting him off, "As the genin-captain of Team Seven," he heaved, finally bring his tear-stained eyes to meet Kakashi, "I hereby withdraw this team from the Chunin exams!" Unexpected, but not unusually so.

Before Kakashi could say a word, Naruto bolted from the room. Without hesitating, Kakashi turned to Hinata, "Go after him, Hinata, make sure he's okay!" If Hinata harbored an ill-will toward Naruto, it didn't show – she had already been out of her chair ready to give chase before Kakashi finished his words.

He turned to look back at the closet. Even if Sakura and Sasuke hadn't forced the issue by playing this stupid game, their current behavior was worthy of court-martial, and it was time to straighten both of them out before they got someone injured or killed. Kakashi threw open the door to the closet. Both genin inside were still in a compromising position, but thankfully, they had not resumed playing tongue-twisters in the dark. Kakashi leered at them with a gaze that would burn metal, "Both of you get your asses to my office right this instant! And don't even think about making a run for it!" Sasuke and Sakura obliged, their faces deflated at the prospect of firm punishment. As they left the room Kakashi shook his head, "Kids these days," he said to himself.

Naruto lay back on the cold stone granite that was Hokage Rock. Specifically, he was on top of the artist's rendering of his father's head. For a good twenty minutes, he's just laid here, staring at the darkening sky, crying, and trying to will the world around him to go away. Nothing made sense, and even just the act of trying to sort out what had happened tonight made his heart ache and his hungry stomach twist. Pathetic, absolutely pathetic! You couldn't work up the balls to ask one girl on a date, so you let a girl whose only interest was sucking face with another guy ask you out and backstab you! Smooth move, dumbass! Naruto wished he could blame the harsh thoughts on Kyuubi, but it was all in his own voice in his head.

He rolled to his side, curling up as a ward against the cold. On top of losing his shit, he also had left his jacket and notebook in the classroom. If he was lucky, Kakashi or Hinata would drop his missing gear at home. Home… He couldn't even think of facing Mom or Dad after this humiliation. What could he tell them? "Hi mom, the girl I was too scared to say no to when she asked me out just got caught making out with one of my best friends in a school closet an hour before we were supposed to go on the date. Oh, if that wasn't bad enough, I was the one who walked in on them!" The words echoed in his head like the ringing of a cursed shrine bell. Each ring of the bell seesawed him back and forth between anger, sadness, and jealousy. Anger that his friend and teammate would betray him like this. Sadness that he didn't have the chance to end it honorably so they both might be spared. Jealousy toward Sasuke, not for having Sakura, but for having the nerve to act so boldly. Now, every request, every compliment, every question would have a double meaning no matter if came from Sakura or some other girl. She had poisoned him worse than any vile brew made of scorpions and toxic plants.

"Na-Naruto-Kun," a soft voice whimpered from behind him. Naruto's heart froze. The one person he feared facing more than Mom, Dad, or Kakashi was behind him. Hinata continued, "I-I thought I might find you here… I wanted to be sure you were okay."

An indignant surge of anger came over Naruto, and he sat up to tell her to go away. As he turned to face Hinata, the moonlight reflected on gathering tears like diamonds. Her tears and her radiant purple eyes disarmed the foul words he had in his throat. Anger turned to shame at the thought of yelling at his friend, the girl he truly cared about. "H-Hinata!" he moaned he slumped forward, sobbing like a baby.

He felt something soft drape over his shoulders. Opening his eyes, he saw Hinata kneeling next to him as she put the missing article in its place. He again buried his chin into his chest, embarrassed by everything. The only thing that stopped him from falling over was her arms as they wrapped around him, holding him upright, "Naruto!" she cried as she stared him in the eyes.

"Hinata!" he choked, "I don't want you seeing me like this!" He shook, but she continued holding him tightly.

"It's okay," she cried, "let it out; purge it like poison." Her hands rubbed at his back as she rocked him side to side gently. He continued crying unabated as she held him much the same way she had when he was freezing and sick. "A brave little boy once told me it was okay to cry when I was hurt or scared." Her voice was soothing, not even the slightest hint of judgement for his foolish antics. I don't deserve her, not after what I've done

"I feel like such an idiot, Hinata!" he moaned, "She played me, and I fell for it!"

Hinata didn't even loosen her grip, "You might be an idiot sometimes," she laughed light as a feather, "but you're no fool, Naruto."

"There is a difference?" Naruto chuckle at the absurdity of the statement.

"Yes, silly!" she began running her delicate fingers through his spikey hair. The air temperature seemed to rise magically, "An idiot doesn't know better and makes a bad decision; a fool knows better or should but still chooses to still make a bad decision!" She laughed, he laughed, and they held each other through tears. Being here with her, even under these circumstances made the aching in his chest weaken.

After a long, tender silence, they stared out to the lights of Konoha. "You remember," he asked, "when we used to come up here after school?"

"I remember," she whispered, "We'd sit here and talk about things we did in school, and you'd tell me about your dream of being Hokage someday."

"I never did ask you what you dream about?" he sighed, resting his head on her shoulder.

After thoughtful pause, Hinata sighed dreamily. "I dream of one day being a good clan leader to my family, of being respected." She rocked slightly, "I dream of being a good wife to a good man, and good mother to my children."

"Sounds beautiful," Naruto sighed, tears slowing to a gentle trickle.

"What about you?" she asked, "Do you still dream of being Hokage?"

Naruto felt the first real smile form involuntarily, "Believe it!" he said, lifting his head from her shoulder, "I may not be the next one, but someday we'll be up here standing on my head!" Both he and Hinata giggled at the silly statement. Laughter felt infectiously good after crying so much. "But," he said, becoming serious again, "I have this odd dream lately; it's been bugging me for while."

"Oh?" she blushed curiously.

"I dream that I'm next to my wife," he said, straining to keep his voice to where only the two of them could hear. "She tells me that she's about to have a baby." He felt his cheeks flush; Hinata probably wasn't ready to hear this. "I guess, I dream of being a husband and a father someday, too!"

"Sounds incredible," she let her head rest on his shoulder. A loud grumbling noise came from Hinata. She laughed nervously, "So does food right now! What do you say we go to Ichiraku's?"

Naruto couldn't tell if it was the mention of food or her warm breath in his ear, but he perked up. "Sure! I'm buying!"

"You don't have to, ya know!"

"No, but I want to," he smiled, "it's the least I can do after everything I've done." Without skipping a beat, Naruto sprung to his feet, lifting Hinata with him. He knelt slightly, "Climb on my back! We'll take the quick way down."

Her look suggested she was a bit worried he'd get them both killed, but she obliged. "Okay, hold on real tight!" He stood and began leaping from one ledge to another, descending the mountain faster than a mountain goat, but he still was able to control their descent. Hinata screamed during a few longer drops, but Naruto was rewarded by her hugging herself even closer to him. It took only a minute, but they were now at the base of the mountain. He let her down gently, careful to keep watchful eye in case she fainted.

She stumbled, but he caught her. "Wow, tha-that was something!" she said breathlessly. She giggled nervously, adrenaline rush still clearly in place.

The rest of the walk to Ichiraku's was less eventful. They sat in their usual spot, and Teuchi greeted them, "Hey you two! Where is the rest of the team?"

Naruto met Hinata's eyes. Just the thought of Sakura was unpleasant at the moment. Hinata's eyes began shaking, hinting at tears. "We're here on personal time, Teuchi," Naruto smiled, calming Hinata's worry.

"Oh," the chef said awkwardly, "You two are on a date, then!"

Naruto thought how best to respond, this time it was Hinata's turn, "Not exactly a date, but good enough for the moment."

Teuchi nodded in understanding that further comment might be awkward, "Got it! So what will it be, the usual for you two?"

"That would be awesome!" Naruto said.

"Um, Teuchi," Hinata asked awkwardly, "could we get two extra orders of noodles, please?" She turned to Naruto, blushing pink, "I-I kinda haven't eaten since breakfast."

Naruto tilted his head back to the chef-owner, "You heard the lady!"

"Coming right up!"

The ramen arrived and they enjoyed happily. As they slurped the noodles, Naruto thought back to the cup ramen they shared in the forest. He dreamily imagined going camping with her again, sans injuries and no pneumonia.

She had apparently notice him staring, "What are you thinking about?"

"You know the ironic thing?" he asked.

"What?" she asked.

"If it hadn't been such a crappy day," he smiled, "this actually would have been a pretty nice date."

Hinata froze. For a moment, Naruto worried she'd taken offense. A thin smile returned to her lips, "It really would have been."

He felt the lead weight in his chest. He needed to let it go, to clear the air, "Hinata, I… I'm sorry about what happened!"

"Naruto, it wasn't all your fault."

"I could have said no!"

"She could have not asked," Hinata replied.

"I didn't speak up when I saw how badly I hurt you!"

"I'm the reason Sakura asked you out! Naruto," she began to cry, "if it's anyone's fault, it's mine!"

"How do you figure?" he asked, strangely amused with her attempt to take blame where it wasn't due.

"Sakura asked me how to get Sasuke to notice her; I kind of suggested that required something you had," she paused nervously, "That's where she got the idea to ask you out!"

Far from being angry, Naruto cracked up laughing. In fact, he laughed so hard he almost cried. "What's so funny?" Hinata asked, now confused.

"I can-can't decide which is more ridiculous!" Naruto panted laughing, "The fact that Sakura thought that was a good idea or that Sasuke actually fell for it!" Naruto couldn't restrain his laughter. Soon, Hinata lost her bashfulness and started laughing as well.

After good hearty laugh, and food, Naruto almost felt like nothing had happened today. He could almost fool himself into thinking the episode with Sakura hadn't happened. However, it was time to get serious again, "Hinata, what happens now?"

"What do you mean?"

"I," he paused, "I don't know… I mean… where does this put us?"

Hinata sighed, "I really don't know, Naruto. I really care about you, and always have." The words were not unexpected, "But now may be a bad time."

"What do you mean?" Naruto furrowed his forehead in confusion.

"Naruto," she looked down, "well, do you really expect Kakashi to let us out of the Chunin exam without trying to change our minds?"

"I can already tell you I'm not going in the field with Sakura!"

"Not my first choice, but between that mess and another mess I might need your help with, well, I guess now might not be the greatest time to commit to anything."

Naruto turned to face her, "What do you need my help with, Hinata?"

"This New Years, I need you to be my guest at the Hyūga Clan's celebration."

"You need me as a date?"

She shook her head, "My backup," she sighed, "something bad is going to happen."

"Like what?" Naruto tilted his head.

"I don't know, but I know my grandfather is planning something; I've overhead bits and pieces around the compound." Hinata looked down at her ramen broth. "I don't know, it could be anything from them just planning on embarrassing me, but I can't rule out the chance he'll try to assassinate me."

"Assassinate?" Naruto's heart fluttered in his chest. "In the name of god, why!"

"As long as father doesn't consent to Hanabi challenging me, Grandfather can't have me replaced as the clan heir," she explained. "The holiday would be one occasion where they could make a pass at me discretely and no one could prove a thing."

Naruto nodded in terrible realization. He knew the Hyūga Clan was not like his family. He'd never understand Hinata's grandfather, nor would he ever understand why her father put up with such behavior from family. He also knew he cared about Hinata, enough to put his life on the line if necessary, "All right, I'm in."

The smile didn't return to her face like he hoped it would. "Thank you," she said.

"What's wrong?"

"Naruto… when this is all over," she searched for words, "Do you think…"

"That we could try this again, for real?" he completed her thought. Hinata nodded. "I'd like that, Hinata," he replied. "I'm still really confused about everything, and I'm not sure how I feel about a lot of things right now, but yeah."

"Take all the time you need," she brought her hand across the counter and set it on his hand, "just know that I'll be waiting for you."